Chapter Three

Legolas was silent as they finished bathing, dressed, and went to the private family dining room. Estel once again attacked the twins with embraces, and this time they retaliated with tickles rather than kisses. Legolas couldn't hold back a smile at their antics. Suddenly, a weight landed against his legs, and tiny arms were closed around his knees. He stiffened at the touch but quickly looked down. The vivid blue eyes were once more locked onto his face, sparkling with laughter, and the sweet voice begged, "Help me, Las! They're after me!" Legolas was so startled that he could hardly respond. This tiny human barely knew him. A bit more of the shell around his heart melted. The desperate squeals from the little Dunadan shook him from his fog. But before the elf could pick him up, the twins dove at him, sending him running behind Legolas' legs. But his brothers caught him. Before the playful skirmish could escalate, Elrond spoke with laughter in his voice. "Supper is ready, my sons! I suggest you come to the table."

Legolas stood for a moment, looking at the place settings. It had been many years since he had sat around this family table. Before he could wonder where his place was, a tiny hand slid into his, and he gazed into the eyes of 'the hope of Middle Earth' HIS hope.

"Sit by me, Las! Saes!" The sweet voice asked.

Legolas felt his lips curving into a smile as another piece of the shell dropped away. Squeezing the pudgy hand, he spoke softly to the child, "Of course I will, Tithen Pen!"

The rest of the evening was relatively uneventful. When it was time for Estel to go to bed, he insisted that both his brothers tuck him in. The twins did as they were bid but went to bed soon after. Legolas did the same, but for some reason, he couldn't sleep. Just as he came close to dozing off, a pitiful cry reached his ears, startling him completely awake. Sitting up, he listened as another cry split the air. Then he remembered that Estel slept in the room across from him. And his brothers had said he suffered from nightmares. Getting to his feet, he went into the hall and hurried to the room across the hall.

Opening the door, he saw a sight that made his heart clench. The tiny human was tossing in his bed, the blankets twisted around him. Even from a distance, Legolas could see the tears that had leaked down his cheek. One side of his face was pressed into his pillow, and he was sobbing in his sleep. The last bit of the shell crumbled, and the elf hurried forward. Kneeling down beside the bed, he reached out and touched the boy's head. Estel jerked away from his touch. Legolas began to speak gently to him in Elvish, "Shhh! Tithen pen! I know you are afraid, but it's alright. You are never alone. You are with a family that loves you. It's just a dream" Reaching out, he gently touched the boy's hair again, shocked to feel him relax under his fingers. Blue eyes opened, and the little one peered at him. Legolas continued to croon comforting words to him and rub his head. Finally, he said softly, "How about I go find your ada or brothers, Estel! I'm sure they will stay with you." But as he made to get up, the little hand grabbed his wrist. And the child spoke words that shocked the elf, "Please! Don't leave me! I want YOU!"

Legolas felt his newly softened heart squeeze as he sat next to the boy, beginning to rub his back. "Of course, Tithen pen! I will always be here when you need me!" And as he began to sing a gentle Elvish lullaby, he realized that it was true. In just a few hours, he had been flooded with an overwhelming love for this precious bundle of human. From now on, he would forever be bonded with this little boy and, when the time came for him to step into his destiny, there was nothing short of death that could tear Legolas away.

The boy gave one final sigh and dozed off into sleep.

TBC